Southend boss Phil Brown could throw new signing Zavon Hines straight into the side for the Sky Bet League One clash with AFC Wimbledon on Boxing Day (kick-off 1pm).

The former West Ham trainee has joined the Shrimpers, who are on a 10-match unbeaten streak in the league, on a deal until the end of the season after leaving Dagenham and Redbridge in the summer but may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Simon Cox came off with a groin injury in the 2-0 win at Oldham last weekend and is a doubt for the visit of AFC Wimbledon while striker Nile Ranger was taken off as a precaution with a similar problem but is likely to retain his place.

Dave Mooney and Ben Coker (both ankle) remain on the sidelines alongside on-loan Crystal Palace defender Ryan Inniss with a shoulder injury.

AFC Wimbledon striker Andy Barcham is in contention to start after returning to action midweek.

Barcham, who had been struggling with a hamstring injury, made his first start since early November and scored during the Dons' London Senior Cup tie against Corinthian Casuals and is pushing for a starting place in Neal Ardley's side.

Defender Darius Charles could also return after recovering from a thigh problem which kept him sidelined for two months.

Chris Whelpdale remains absent due to a groin problem while Will Nightingale is unavailable following knee surgery.